Hike or Ride Soldier Pass Trail, Sedona, Arizona

Add to My List Check Off

Soldier Pass Trail wanders through some of Sedona's most iconic red rock country. The trail offers fantastic views of Coffee Pot Rock and surrounding rock formations and cliffs, and passes by Devil's Kitchen, the area's largest natural sinkhole. The trail ascends Brins Mesa, joining Brins Mesa Trail, providing opportunities for longer hikes and loop hikes in the extensive trail system in the area. Soldiers Pass Road, popular jeep road where it turns to dirt at the trailhead, parallels the trail for the first mile or so. This trail provides a diverse experience beginning in an urban setting and eventually leads into Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness, increasing the potential for solitude. The first half of this trail is often busy, and there is jeep tour and off-road vehicle traffic nearby. Enter at the signed trailhead which is open only from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The trail dips to cross a wash then climbs out to the Devils Kitchen sinkhole just off the trail to the right at 1/4 miles. The trail then goes over level ground for 1/4 mile to the "Seven Sacred Pools" (photo) to the left of the trail. It continues on in the partial shade of Arizona cypress and intersects the end of a jeep road at 1.2 miles. The trail forks at the wilderness area boundary sign 1/8 mile further on. The right branch leads up rather steeply for 1/4 mile to an arch. Great views. The left branch is the main trail. This leads out of the wash on a moderate grade. Most of the shade is lost, but the views open up. The trail becomes increasingly steep and rocky as it climbs to the pass. Nearing 2 miles, it levels out on top of Brins Mesa, then continues for another 1/4 miles where it intersects Brins MesaTrail. Ultimately, scenic vistas can be enjoyed south into Sedona and north into the wilderness and the red cliffs of the Mogollon Rim. Return by the same route for a 4.5 mile round trip hike. From the junction of Routes 89A and 179, take 89A west 1.2 miles to Solider Pass Road on the right. Go 1.5 miles to Rim Shadows Drive, then right 0.2 miles (keep straight ahead where Rim Shadows branches left) to a gated entry road to trailhead parking on the left.

Write a Review

No Ratings Yet

Flag as inappropriate ›